Homeless Population in Kakaako Makai Becoming a Greater Concern

Kakaako Makai has been in the news recently due to the fact that the Office of Hawaiian Affairs had hoped to be allowed by the state of Hawaii to redevelop the neighborhood and add several high-rise condominium buildings. The state has since ruled that they will not grant OHA permission to build on this 44-acre ocean front parcel anytime in the immediate future. However, Kakaako Makai has recently been highlighted due to its increasing homeless population.  By one estimate, there were nearly 100 tents along the sidewalks and open spaces around the discovery center, the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, the UH Cancer Center and other buildings and parks in the neighborhood.

Officials with the Hawaii Community Development Authority, the state run organization that is responsible for the redevelopment of Kakaako, stated that they have recently received an increase in the number of complaints about disorderly conduct, public urination and defecation, as well as the fighting among the homeless.  As a result, the city is now doing twice-monthly police sweeps in which officers clear the sidewalks and confiscate belongs.  The HCDA is also increasing their own private security for Kakaako Makai.

Tracy Martin, a homeless man who has been living in Kakaako Makai with his wife and 2-year-old daughter for the last nine months, stated that the police sweeps are tough on his family and neighbors, because it costs him $200 to retrieve his belongs that the city confiscates from him. However, Martin likes the location and states, "It's centralized and close to doctors, preschools, agencies and jobs. I'm comfortable here. I know the area, and there are a lot of safe zones."

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 7-20-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Principal Broker, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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